First Specific Detection of Mammalian Orthoreovirus from Goats Using TaqMan Real-Time RT-PCR Technology.

Mammalian orthoreovirus (MRV) infections are ubiquitous in multiple mammalian species including humans, and mainly causes gastroenteritis and respiratory disease. In this study, we developed a rapid and sensitive TaqMan qRT-PCR method for MRV detection based on the primers and probe designed within the conserved L1 gene. The qRT-PCR assay was evaluated for its sensitivity, specificity, efficiency and reproducibility. It was found that the detection sensitivity was equivalent to 10 DNA copies/µL, and the standard curves had a linear correlation of R2 = 0.998 with an amplification efficiency of 99.6%. The inter- and intra-assay coefficients of variation (CV%) were in the range of 0.29% to 2.16% and 1.60% to 3.60%, respectively. The primer sets specifically amplified their respective MRV segments and had the highest detection sensitivities of 100.25 TCID50/mL with amplification efficiencies of 99.5% (R2 = 0.999). qRT-PCR was used for MRV detection from samples of sheep, goats, and calves from four regions in China, and the overall MRV prevalence was 8.2% (35/429), whereas 17/429 (4.0%) were detected by RT-PCR and 14/429 (3.3%) by virus isolation. The qRT-PCR assay showed significantly higher sensitivity than RT-PCR and virus isolation. Results from an epidemiological survey indicated that the positive rate of MRV in rectal swabs from sheep and goats tested in Shaanxi, Jiangsu, and Xinjiang were 9/80 (11.3%), 12/93 (12.9%) and 14/128 (10.9%), respectively. In goats and sheep, MRV prevalence was obviously associated with season and age, with a high positive rate of more than 8% during September to April and approximately 13% in small ruminant animals under two months of age. This is the first instance of MRV infection in sheep and goats in China, thus broadening our knowledge of MRV hosts. Consequently, primer optimization for qRT-PCR should not only prioritize amplification efficiency and specificity, but also sensitivity. This assay will contribute to more accurate and rapid MRV monitoring by epidemiological investigation, viral load, and vaccination efficacy.

Theoretical Analysis of Thermophysical Properties of 3D Carbon/Epoxy Braided Composites with Varying Temperature.

A three-dimensional helix geometry unit cell is established to simulate the complex spatial configuration of 3D braided composites. Initially, different types of yarn factors, such as yarn path, cross-sectional shape, properties, and braid direction, are explained. Then, the multiphase finite element method is used to develop a new theoretical calculation procedure based on the unit cell for predicting the impacts of environmental temperature on the thermophysical properties of 3D four-direction carbon/epoxy braided composites. The changing rule and distribution characteristics of the thermophysical properties for 3D four-direction carbon/epoxy braided composites are obtained at temperatures ranging from room temperature to 200 °C. The influences of environmental temperature on the coefficients of thermal expansion (CTE) and the coefficients of thermal conduction (CTC) are evaluated, by which some important conclusions are drawn. A comparison is conducted between theoretical and experimental results, revealing that variations in temperature exert a notable influence on the thermophysical characteristics of 3D four-directional carbon/epoxy braided composites. The theoretical calculation procedure is an effective tool for the mechanical property analysis of composite materials with complex geometries.

Prevalence of transmissible gastroenteritis among swine populations in China during 1983-2022: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Transmissible gastroenteritis virus (TGEV), which belongs to the coronaviruses (CoVs), causes diarrhea and high mortality rates in piglets and poses a huge threat and loss to the pig industry in China. METHOD: We estimated the prevalence of TGEV in Chinese pig animals from 1983 to 2022 by screening 36 papers on TGEV investigations in China from databases such as China Knowledge Network (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Science and Technology Journal Repository (VIP), PubMed, and ScienceDirect, excluding duplicate literature and other host studies according to the exclusion criteria we developed, and excluding literature with incomplete data to extract information from studies that could estimate the prevalence of TGEV infection in pigs in mainland China. RESULTS: A total of 36 studies (including data from 50,403 pigs) met our evaluation criteria. The overall estimated prevalence of TGEV infection in pigs in China is 10% (3887/50403), and the prevalence of TGEV in northeast China is 38% (2582/3078700) is significantly higher than the rest of China. The prevalence of TGEV infection was related to the sampling season and region. CONCLUSION: The results of the study show that the prevalence of TGEV is clearly seasonal and regional. Therefore, further research and monitoring of the prevalence of TGEV infection and the development of control programs based on different conditions are essential. In addition, effective and robust regulatory measures should be taken in colder regions to prevent the spread and transmission of TGEV in pigs.

Prevalence of clinical mastitis and its associated risk factors among dairy cattle in mainland China during 1982-2022: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Background: Bovine mastitis is one of the most common and prevalent diseases affecting dairy cattle worldwide. It adversely affects the quality and quantity of milk production and leads to a significant economic loss for the farmers. Methods: This article aimed to estimate the prevalence of clinical mastitis (CM) infection in mainland China using a systematic review and meta-analysis. The research reports published during 1983-2022 in English or Chinese from databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, Science Direct, Web of Science, VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals (VIP), Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wan Fang database) were identified after reviewing the relevant scientific literature. Based on our inclusion criteria, this study analyzed the prevalence of CM in 47 published studies prevalence extracted the total number of cattle infected with CM from the available studies, allowing us to estimate the prevalence of CM infection among these in mainland China. Results: The pooled prevalence with the 95% CI for the clinical mastitis was 10% (95% CI: 9.00, 12.00). The majority of CM was associated with lactation, parity, and age, with higher prevalence observed in late lactation 15% (95% CI: 11.00, 18.00) and mid-lactation 10% (95% CI: 6.00, 13.00) in comparison to early lactation 8% (95% CI: 5.00, 10.00). The incidence of CM increased significantly with the increase of parity and age, and the highest incidence rates were 19% (95% CI: 15.00, 23.00) and 16% (95% CI: 12.00, 19.00) at parity and age ≥7, respectively. Among the seasons, the highest prevalence of CM infection was found in autumn 9% (95% CI: 2.00, 17.00). Interestingly, no significant effects were evident regarding the influence of quarter on the prevalence of CM. Conclusion: Thus, estimating the prevalence of CM among cattle in mainland China. through meta-analysis can provide adequate measures to control CM, reduce economic losses, and prevent the spread and transmission of CM in Chinese herds.

Nonlinear Mechanical Property of 3D Braided Composites with Multi-Types Micro-Distortion: A Quantitative Evaluation.

A new alternative calculation procedure is developed to quantify the effect of yarn distortion characteristics on the mechanical properties of three-dimensional (3D) braided carbon/resin composites. Firstly, the multi-type yarn distortion characteristics factors including path, cross-section shape and cross-section torsion effects are described based on the stochastic theory. Then, the multiphase finite element method is employed to overcome the complex discretization in traditional numerical analysis, and the parametric studies including multi-type yarn distortion and different braided geometrical parameters on the resulting mechanical properties are performed. It is shown that the proposed procedure can simultaneously capture the yarn path and cross-section distortion characteristics caused by the mutual squeeze of component materials, which is difficult to characterize by experimental methods. In addition, it is found that even small distortions of yarn may significantly affect the mechanical properties for 3D braided composites, and the 3D braided composites with different braiding geometric parameters will show different sensitivity to the distortion characteristics factors of yarn. The procedure, which could be implemented into commercial finite element codes, is an efficient tool for the design and structural optimization analysis of a heterogeneous material with anisotropic properties or complex geometries.

Diversity of Mitochondrial DNA Haplogroups and Their Association with Bovine Antral Follicle Count.

Maternal origins based on the bovine mitochondrial D-loop region are proven to have two main origins: Bos taurus and Bos indicus. To examine the association between the maternal origins of bovine and reproductive traits, the complete mitochondrial D-loop region sequences from 501 Chinese Holstein cows and 94 individuals of other breeds were analyzed. Based on the results obtained from the haplotype analysis, 260 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphism), 32 indels (insertion/deletion), and 219 haplotypes were identified. Moreover, the nucleotide diversity (π) and haplotype diversity (Hd) were 0.024 ± 0.001 and 0.9794 ± 0.003, respectively, indicating the abundance of genetic resources in Chinese Holstein cows. The results of the median-joining network analysis showed two haplogroups (HG, including HG1 and HG2) that diverged in genetic distance. Furthermore, the two haplogroups were significantly (p < 0.05) correlated with the antral follicle (diameter ≥ 8 mm) count, and HG1 individuals had more antral follicles than HG2 individuals, suggesting that these different genetic variants between HG1 and HG2 correlate with reproductive traits. The construction of a neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree and principal component analysis also revealed two main clades (HG1 and HG2) with different maternal origins: Bos indicus and Bos taurus, respectively. Therefore, HG1 originating from the maternal ancestors of Bos indicus may have a greater reproductive performance, and potential genetic variants discovered may promote the breeding process in the cattle industry.

Prevalence of bovine rotavirus among cattle in mainland China: A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Bovine rotavirus is the primary pathogen causing diarrhea in cattle and can be transmitted vertically through the placenta. It mainly presents with clinical signs such as depression, loss of appetite, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to assess the prevalence of BRV infection in mainland China. We conducted a literature search on the prevalence of BRV infection in pigs between Jan 1, 1979 and Dec 31, 2021 in English and Chinese databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane library, Clinical Trials, VIP, CNKI, and WanFang database. Selections were made based on the title and the abstract of the paper, Search strings included if they reported the cattle samples of more than 15 cattle and provided information that allowed us to establish the prevalence of BRV. Moreover, we excluded repeated studies, reviews, other hosts. Finally, we extracted the number of cattle with BRV infection from the obtained studies and provided information that permitted us to estimate the prevalence of BRV infection in cattle in mainland China. RESULTS: The data of 29 articles (including data on 10677 cattle) are compliant with the standards. The pooled prevalence of BRV in cattle in China was 46%（6635/10677）, the pooled prevalence of BRV in cattle from Northeast China (40%) was significantly lower than those from other regions. In addition, the prevalence of BRV was associated with publication time of paper, detection methods, age of cattle, and clinical symptoms（diarrhea, etc.). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that BRV infection is common among cattle in China. It is, therefore, necessary to carry out further research and monitor the prevalence of BRV infection. Furthermore, powerful and effective regulatory measures should be taken to prevent the transmission and spread of BRV among cattle populations.

Polysaccharide/mesoporous silica nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems: A review.

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) have been well-researched in the design and fabrication of advanced drug delivery systems (DDSs) due to their advantages such as good biocompatibility, large specific surface area and pore volume for drug loading, easily surface modification, adjusted size and good thermal/chemical stability. For MSN-based DDSs, gate materials are also necessary. And natural polysaccharides, one kind of the most abundant natural resource, have been widely applied as the "gatekeepers" in MSN-based DDSs. Polysaccharides are cheap and rich in sources with good biocompatibility, and some of them have important biological functions. In this review article, polysaccharides including chitosan, hyaluronic acid, sodium alginate and dextran, et al. are briefly introduced. And the preparation processes and properties such as controlled drug release, cancer targeting and disease diagnosis of functional polysaccharide/MSN-based DDSs are discussed.

Thermo-Viscoelastic Response of 3D Braided Composites Based on a Novel FsMsFE Method.

A homogenization-based five-step multi-scale finite element (FsMsFE) simulation framework is developed to describe the time-temperature-dependent viscoelastic behavior of 3D braided four-directional composites. The current analysis was performed via three-scale finite element models, the fiber/matrix (microscopic) representative unit cell (RUC) model, the yarn/matrix (mesoscopic) representative unit cell model, and the macroscopic solid model with homogeneous property. Coupling the time-temperature equivalence principle, multi-phase finite element approach, Laplace transformation and Prony series fitting technology, the character of the stress relaxation behaviors at three scales subject to variation in temperature is investigated, and the equivalent time-dependent thermal expansion coefficients (TTEC), the equivalent time-dependent thermal relaxation modulus (TTRM) under micro-scale and meso-scale were predicted. Furthermore, the impacts of temperature, structural parameters and relaxation time on the time-dependent thermo-viscoelastic properties of 3D braided four-directional composites were studied.

Microstructure, Thermal Conductivity, and Flame Retardancy of Konjac Glucomannan Based Aerogels.

With abundant renewable resources and good biodegradability, bio-based aerogels are considered as promising insulating materials for replacing the conventional petroleum-based foam. In this study, konjac glucomannan (KGM)-based aerogels were prepared as thermal insulation materials via a convenient sol-gel and freeze-drying progress with different content of plant polysaccharides, proteins, and wheat straw. The morphology, thermal conductivity, and flame retardancy of KGM-based aerogels were determined. The KGM-based aerogels showed a uniform three-dimensional porous microstructure. The addition of wheat straw could significantly reduce the pore size of aerogels due to its special multi-cavity structure. KGM-based aerogels showed low densities (0.0234-0.0559 g/cm-3), low thermal conductivities (0.04573-0.05127 W/mK), low peak heat release rate (PHRR, 46.7-165.5 W/g), and low total heat release (THR, 5.7-16.2 kJ/g). Compared to the conventional expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane (PU) foam, the maximum limiting oxygen index (LOI) of KGM-based aerogels increased by 24.09% and 47.59%, the lowest PHRR decreased by 79.37% and 94.26%, and the lowest THR decreased by 76.54% and 89.25%, respectively. The results demonstrated that the KGM-based aerogels had better performance on flame retardancy than PU and EPS, indicating high potential applications as heat insulation in the green advanced engineering field.

Establishment and application of isothermal amplification techniques for the detection of heat-stable I enterotoxin of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.

The aim of this study was to establish isothermal multiple self-matching initiated amplification (IMSA) and cross-priming amplification (CPA) methods to detect heat-stable I enterotoxin (STa)-producing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). To avoid cross-contamination of aerosols, a closed independent isothermal amplification tube (IAT) was used to perform the assays. Optimal amplification conditions for IMSA and CPA were selected for specificity and sensitivity, respectively, and for clinical relevance. Both IMSA and CPA assays could specifically recognize all 3-STa positive strains in which they fluoresced green under UV light, but not in the 11 non-STa strains. The results of the sensitivity analysis indicated that the detection limit of the IMSA assay was 1.5 ×102 CFU, comparable to real-time PCR, but 10-fold more sensitive than CPA and LAMP. Further evaluation of the detection methods of swine diarrhea samples demonstrated that both could successfully identify the DNA of STa-producing ETEC in clinical specimens, consistent with LAMP and qPCR methods. The results demonstrated that the IMSA and CPA methods had high specificity and sensitivity with rapid detection of ETEC, so having great potential in clinical applications.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the epidemiology of bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection in dairy cattle in China.

Bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV) infection causes significantly economic losses to cattle industry worldwide, also including China. The epidemiological prevalence of infection associated with BVDV in dairy cattle has not been systematically assessed in China. Therefore, we undertook this study to evaluate prevalent of BVDV infection. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of data from papers on the BVDV incidence and prevalence in dairy cattle in China by searching China Science and Technology Journal Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wan Fang Database and PubMed for publication from March 2003 to March 2018. The 41 studies reporting the prevalence of BVDV in cattle in China were selected upon our inclusion criterion. The pooled BVDV prevalence in dairy cattle in China was estimated to 53.0% (95% CI 40.2-65.7) based on the data obtained from the 27,530 cows tested using serological or virological assay in the qualified papers published during the periods (χ² = 51,861.0, I2 = 99.9%). The highest BVDV positive rate in dairy flocks reached 90.0% in Fujian province of China, followed by Shaanxi (88.9%) and Shandong (83.3%). The prevalence in the six administrative districts of China was validated to be highly variable (25.7%-72.2%) and reached 72.2% in dairy cattle flocks of Northern China. Besides, the BVDV-RNA positive rate was estimated 27.1% (95% CI 17.3-37.0) based on 6 studies, comparatively, the pooled BVDV seroprevalence based on 35 studies was about 57.0% (95% CI 44.4-69.5) in China. This systematic review and meta-analysis firstly established an estimated prevalence of BVDV in dairy herds in China, indicating that the BVDV infection is escalating, though there is a bias in the number of studies between 2003-2009 and 2010-2018 timescales. This study may help understand the status of BVDV infection in dairy herds in China. Further extensive and comprehensive investigation is recommended, and effective intervention measures for preventing and controlling BVDV spread in dairy herds should be deployed, especially herds that have been exposed to BVDV.

Circulation and genetic diversity of Feline coronavirus type I and II from clinically healthy and FIP-suspected cats in China.

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a fatal infectious disease of wild and domestic cats, and the occurrence of FIP is frequently reported in China. To trace the evolution of type I and II feline coronavirus in China, 115 samples of ascetic fluid from FIP-suspected cats and 54 fecal samples from clinically healthy cats were collected from veterinary hospitals in China. The presence of FCoV in the samples was detected by RT-PCR targeting the 6b gene. The results revealed that a total of 126 (74.6%, 126/169) samples were positive for FCoV: 75.7% (87/115) of the FIP-suspected samples were positive for FCoV, and 72.2% (39/54) of the clinically healthy samples were positive for FCoV. Of the 126 FCoV-positive samples, 95 partial S genes were successfully sequenced. The partial S gene-based genotyping indicated that type I FCoV and type II FCoV accounted for 95.8% (91/95) and 4.2% (4/95), respectively. The partial S gene-based phylogenetic analyses showed that the 91 type I FCoV strains exhibited genetic diversity; the four type II FCoV strains exhibited a close relationship with type II FCoV strains from Taiwan. Three type I FCoV strains, HLJ/HRB/2016/10, HLJ/HRB/2016/11 and HLJ/HRB/2016/13, formed one potential new clade in the nearly complete genome-based phylogenetic trees. Further analysis revealed that FCoV infection appeared to be significantly correlated with a multi-cat environment (p < 0.01) and with age (p < 0.01). The S gene of the three type I FCoV strains identified in China, BJ/2017/27, BJ/2018/22 and XM/2018/04, exhibited a six nucleotide deletion (C4035 AGCTC4040 ). Our data provide evidence that type I and type II FCoV strains co-circulate in the FIP-affected cats in China. Type I FCoV strains exhibited high prevalence and genetic diversity in both FIP-affected cats and clinically healthy cats, and a multi-cat environment and age (<6 months) were significantly associated with FCoV infection.

Preparation of porcine enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) ghosts and immunogenic analysis in a mouse model.

Enterotoxignenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-associated colibacillosis causes high levels of morbidity and mortality in neonatal piglets. Vaccination is among effective strategy to fight against ETEC-related diseases. Bacterial ghosts (BGs) are empty bacterial envelopes, which substain subtle antigenic comformation in bacterial outer membrane. In this study, a BG vaccine was generated using porcine ETEC isolated strain DQ061 and evaluated its safety and immunogenicity in a mouse model. The recombinant bacteria were constructed by transformation of lysis plasmid pHH43 and generation of BGs was conducted in a lysis rate of 99.93% by incubation of the recombinant bacteria at 42 °C for 2 h. Mice were immunized subcutaneously twice in 2-week intervals with BGs, BGs emulsified with ISA 206 adjuvant, or formalin-inactivated ETEC vaccine after safety test. Mice with either of two BG vaccines developed higher titer of antibodies, secreted higher titer of interleukin 4, gamma interferon and alpha tumor necrosis factor after 2 doses than those with formalin-inactivated ETEC vaccine or those with adjuvant placebo (P < 0.01). The quantity of CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocyte in spleen was higher in both BG groups than that in the inactivated vaccine group or adjuvant group 2 weeks post boost immunization (P < 0.05). The vaccinated mice were challenged intraperitoneally with 10 × LD50 dose of DQ061. Mice with the BGs plus adjuvant were completely protected against challenge, compared to 60% protection of mice with the inactivated vaccine. Mice exhibited decreased tissue lesion and reduced bacterial loads in the BGs groups by comparison with those with the inactivated vaccine or adjuvant only. Our results validated that the ETEC BGs bear high safety and immunogenicity in a mouse model, suggesting a potential of further evaluation in a pig model.

Molecular surveillance of canine distemper virus in diarrhoetic puppies in northeast China from May 2014 to April 2015.

To trace the prevalence of canine distemper virus (CDV) in diarrhoetic dogs, a total of 201 stool samples were collected in the Heilongjiang province of northeastern China from May 2014 to April 2015. The 201 fecal samples were subjected to the detection of CDV by using RT-PCR targeting the partial N gene, phylogenetic analysis based on the complete H gene, and co-infection analysis. Results indicated that 24.88% (50/201) of the samples were positive for CDV. The fifty CDV samples exhibited an overall co-infection rate of 94% (47/50) with four enteric viruses (82%, 41/50) and five bacteria (72%, 36/50). The positivity rate of CDV exhibited differences among regions, seasons, ages and immunization status. Phylogenetic analysis of the complete H genes (n=6) revealed that the CDV strains identified in our study belonged to the Asia-1 group, and showed genetic diversities. These data provide evidence that there are a number of genetically diverse CDV Asia-1 strains circulating in diarrhoetic dogs in northeastern China; the CDV-affected animals exhibit the high co-infection with other enteric viruses and bacteria.

Isolation and molecular characterization of parainfluenza virus 5 in diarrhea-affected piglets in China.

Recently, parainfluenza virus 5 (PIV5) infection has been increasingly reported in mammals. In this study, five PIV5 strains were isolated from diarrhea-affected piglets from four provinces or municipalities in China. An F-gene-based phylogenetic tree indicated that the five isolated strains were closely related to the PIV5 strain ZJQ-221 from a lesser panda in China, and the PIV5 strain 1168-1 from a dog in South Korea. The new isolates differed genetically from other pig, calf, rhesus macaque kidney cells, human, and dog PIV5 reference strains. Our study reveals the presence of PIV5 in intestinal tissue samples collected from diarrhea-affected piglets, and provides novel information regarding the epidemiology and tissue tropism of PIV5.

Prokaryotic expression of f protein from PPRV and characterization of its polyclonal antibody.

The goal of this study was to evaluate the specificity of a polyclonal antibody against the F protein from Peste des petits ruminants virus (PPRV). A pET30a/F prokaryotic expression vector was successfully constructed and its recombinant protein was expressed. The result of Western blot analysis showed that the fusion protein pET30a/F possessed good immunoreactivity and the purified recombinant protein was then used as the antigen to raise anti-pET30a/F polyclonal antibody in rabbits. The polyclonal antibody titer against the recombinant F protein was confirmed by indirect ELISA, and the protein's specificity against pET30/F polyclonal antibody was confirmed by both Western blot and indirect immunofluorescence assay in transfected cells. In short, we obtained the high-level expression of recombinant F protein as well as high titers of rabbit polyclonal antibody specificity against F protein in pCAGGS/F transfected cells. This special polyclonal antibody offers a valuable and useful tool for further study of the pathogenesis of PPRV early infection and the structural and functional characterization of PPRV F protein.

Immune responses to a recombinant attenuated Salmonella typhimurium strain expressing a Taenia solium oncosphere antigen TSOL18.

A tapeworm, Taenia solium, remains a great threat to human health, particularly in developing countries. The life cycle of T. solium is thought to be terminated via vaccination of intermediate hosts. In this study, we constructed a recombinant attenuated Salmonella typhimurium live vaccine strain χ4558 expressing a TSOL18 antigen. SDS-PAGE and Western blot confirmed the expression of the interest protein and its antigenic property. The recombinant strain stably propagated in vitro, of which the growth was not reversely influenced by TSOL18 protein expressed. It was also shown that mice survived 10(12) CFU of S. typhimurium χ4558, while all mice infected with 10(7) CFU of the wild-type died within five days. The mouse experiment indicated that vaccine strain χ4558 induced a high titer of specific antibody for a long time. In contrast to the controls, the vaccinated mice had an obvious augment of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T lymphocytes and the percentage of helper CD4(+)/CD8(+) T lymphocytes was significantly increased (p<0.01). After oral administration, S. typhimurium χ4558 was first colonized mainly in the Peyer's patches and then predominantly in the mesenteric lymph nodes and spleens in the vaccinated mice. In addition, the high levels of specific anti-TSOL18 antibodies were also observed in pigs administrated with S. typhimurium χ4558. Collectively, these results demonstrate the possibility of use of an attenuated S. typhimurium strain as a vector to deliver protective antigens of T. solium.

Molecular characterization, tissue distribution and expression analysis of interleukin-12 receptor ß2 chain in sheep.

Ovine ß2 subunit of the interleukin (IL)-12 receptor (IL-12Rß2) was cloned from mRNA preparation of mitogen-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). The complete coding sequence for ovine IL-12 Rß2 was found to be 2586 nucleotides in length encoding 862-amino-acid residue protein. It showed 96.4% homology at the nucleotide level and 94.1% homology at the amino acid level with bovine IL-12 Rß2. The ovine IL-12 Rß2 subunit shares common structural and functional elements with their counterparts from the other species. Phylogenetic tree showed that ovine IL-12Rß2 was clustered into the Artiodactyla group, together with those of cattle and pig, which was distinct from the other groups. Real-time RT-PCR was used to investigate expression of the IL-12Rß2 in different tissues of sheep in order to determine the characterization of this receptor in tissue. Expression analysis showed that IL-12Rß2 mRNA expression was detected at all the detected tissues with the exception of thymus.

Tissue distribution and expression of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule receptor to peste des petits ruminant virus in goats detected by real-time PCR.

In the present study, we investigated the tissue distribution and expression of signaling lymphocyte activation molecule (SLAM) in 40 tissues and organs of goats by real-time RT-PCR, in order to determine the role of these receptors in tissue tropism. SLAM mRNA was detected in all the samples investigated. The expression of SLAM mRNA was detected at high levels in spleen, mesenteric lymph node, hilar lymph node, mandibular lymph node, superficial cervical lymph node, nasal mucosa, duodenum, heart, gallbladder, thymus and blood; this is similar to the tissue tropism of peste des petits ruminant virus. However, it was surprising that expression of SLAM was low in lungs, colon and rectum which are the major sites of replication of PPRV. In addition, very low levels were detected in larynx, tongue and esophagus, which suggest the possible presence of an alternative receptor for PPRV. This study provided the first data on caprine SLAM for use in further studies of the pathogenesis of PPRV in goats.